Banker’s Algorithm is a deadlock avoidance algorithm developed by Edsger Dijkstra designed for a system with multiple resource types and prevents deadlock by only allowing resource allocation requests that will leave the system in a safe state.
Key Concepts in Banker’s Algorithm
- Safe State: The system is in a safe state if there exists a sequence of processes such that each process can finish its execution with the currently available resources.
- Unsafe State: An unsafe state could potentially lead to a deadlock. However, an unsafe state does not necessarily mean the system is deadlocked, just that it’s at risk of deadlock.
Advantages:
- Allows efficient allocation of resources while avoiding deadlock.
- Only denies requests when it’s unsafe to proceed.
Disadvantages:
- Requires knowledge of each process’s maximum resource needs.
- Complex and computationally intensive, especially with many resources and processes.